In our Picks to Click, we feature six players or units from across the state that we feel will have breakout performances on Friday night. Check back next Thursday to see our picks for week six, and how the players performed that we picked this week.
Dylan Geissert, QB, Herington
Playing with heavy hearts after the death of Coach Bud Peterson, the Herington Railers have come together to start the season 4-0. Giessert is a big reason for their success. The senior has thrown for 16 touchdowns this season, including more than 800 yards and 10 touchdowns in the Railers last two games. Herington entered the 2011 season on a 15-game losing streak, and had won just seven games over the past seven seasons.
Brock Gilmore, QB, Chanute
Gilmore (6-4, 215) has taken over under center this fall for the Blue Comets allowing 2010 starter Grant McMillan to move to receiver. In his first four games, the junior has displayed a big arm in throwing for 684 yards and seven touchdowns while completing nearly 60 percent of his passes. Chanute hosts Iola on Friday - a team that is giving up more than 50 points per game this season.
Shilo Goracke, QB, Hope
Goracke has been the Lions all-purpose offensive threat this season as the Lions have quietly rolled to 4-0. Hope is the clear favorite in a district featuring four opponents with a combined 3-13 record and while the Dragons may be the toughest of Hope's district foes Goracke should be counted on when his teammates need him the most.
Truitt Kuhlmann, RB, Smith Center
Kuhlmann rushed for at least 200 yards in each of Smith Center's first three games and had a strong showing in last week's narrow loss to Plainville with several long runs and two interceptions in the defensive backfield. That game will surely be motivation for Kuhlmann and the Redmen as they face the Norton Bluejays this week.
The Meade Offensive Line
While the Buffaloes are without 1,000 yard rushers Kellan Hernandez and Jaden Friesen from last year's state championship team they return most of their offensive line from that squad. Big games are where the Buffs o-line shines and the contest with state ranked Stanton County should bring out the best in the "big uglies" up front for the purple and white.
Timmy Miller, RB, Riverside
Miller (5-8, 135) has the Riverside Cyclones off to a 3-1 start in their first season after the consolidation of Wathena and Elwood. Miller has rushed for 596 yards and 10 touchdowns including a 237-yard, three-score performance last week in a 42-13 win over Maur Hill. Last season, Miller rushed for 894 yards and 12 scores for Wathena, and looks to shatter those numbers for a Riverside team which will be the favorite in 2-1A District 2.
Last week’s Picks to Click (Week Four):
Skylar Curtis (QB) and Brandon Dozier (RB), Washburn Rural – Curtis rushed for 91 yards and both Rural touchdowns in a 21-14 overtime loss to Hayden. Dozier was limited in action due to an ankle sprain.
Osvaldo Granillo, (RB/WR) and Jonatan Manriquez (RB), Moscow – Granillo rushed for 82 yards and two touchdowns and had 78 yards receiving and two more scores. Manriquez rushed for 93 yards and a pair of scores for the Wildcats who blasted Satanta 84-38
C.J. Hamilton, Coach, Silver Lake – Coach Hamilton did not get his state-record 336th win as the Eagles fell 14-13 at defending 4A champion Louisburg. Silver Lake will travel to unbeaten Rock Creek.
Matt Reed, QB, Wichita Heights – Reed rushed for 151 yards and a touchdown as the Falcons overcame a sloppy performance to blowout Great Bend, 55-14.
Thunder Ridge Offensive Line – The Longhorn offensive line paved the way for Joel Struckhoff to rush for 214 yards and four touchdowns as Thunder Ridge defeated Otis-Bison, 44-18.
Skyler Windmiller, QB, Mill Valley – Windmiller completed 6 of 9 passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns as the Jaguars rolled past Bishop Ward 53-7. Windmiller also rushed for a touchdown in the win.
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